PAYING off a mortgage early, keeping children on the straight and narrow and staying married for 30 years were hailed yesterday as life’s biggest achievements.

Other life goals deemed “important” were avoiding a criminal record, staying faithful to a partner, reaching a salary of £40,000 a year and becoming a parent.

Finding true love and visiting more than eight countries were among the other top 20 biggest achievements.

The study, which was commissioned by Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, saw being charitable and living to help other people scrape into the top 20. But 45 per cent felt that they hadn’t been charitable enough in their life so far.

Amanda Williams, director of fundraising, said: “It’s a sign of the times that the top achievement is to pay off the mortgage.

“But it’s refreshing to see that many of the achievements revolve around improving other people’s lives, be they those of your children or partner, or helping others through charitable giving.

It’s a sign of the times that the top achievement is to pay off the mortgage

Amanda Williams, director of fundraising

“Although nearly half feel that they haven’t been as charitable as they could have been, it’s never too late to help others.” The survey asked 1,000 people over 50 to name the things they are most proud of achieving.

Being able to enjoy a nice holiday occasionally is recognised as an achievement, while travelling somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit is deemed a big feat.

Making time to watch the children grow up and being home from work to tuck them in occasionally were also deemed essential to a life well lived.

Avoiding unemployment, keeping a clean driving licence and staying close to relatives also made the list.

Achievements which narrowly missed the top 20 were learning a new language, volunteering for charity and driving the car you’ve always dreamed of.

Additionally, half of the 1,000 over-50s in the survey felt they had successfully ticked off the majority of their “to do” list.

When asked to reflect honestly on their life just 14 per cent felt they would be able to look back and say they contributed to a bigger more meaningful cause.

But, despite tough financial times, the same number currently aim to leave money in their will to aid a charity or good cause.

A quarter of over-50s also hope to do something selfless or charitable with their remaining time.

Ms Williams said: “It’s great to see that so many people over the age of 50 are already thinking about how they can continue to give to charity and leave a lasting legacy.

“But there are still many who don’t realise that they can leave a gift in their will.

“Many people also don’t realise that they can provide for friends and family as well as remember a charity.

“Leaving just a small fraction of your estate to charity could be a significant gift, and often much more than you could afford to give during your lifetime.”

Make-A-Wish Foundation UK grants wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions.